{"id":245029,"first_name":"Edin","last_name":"Džeko","short_name":"E. Džeko","common_name":"Edin Džeko","place_of_birth":"Sarajevo","gender":"male","height":193,"weight":80,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T09:58:48.060Z","updatedAt":"2025-07-01T07:03:44.969Z","locale":"en","age":39,"stb_id":"edin-dzeko","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Edin Džeko","top_position":null,"introduction":"Edin Džeko is a prominent Bosnian professional footballer who has left an indelible mark on the world of football. As the all-time top goalscorer and most-capped player for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, Džeko's career is decorated with significant achievements, including leading roles at clubs like Manchester City, Roma, and Inter Milan. Known as the 'Bosnian Diamond,' he is revered for his goal-scoring ability and leadership on and off the field.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nEdin Džeko was born on March 17, 1986, in Sarajevo, then part of SFR Yugoslavia. Raised during the tumultuous period of the Siege of Sarajevo, Džeko's early life was marked by his family's resilience amidst adversity. Despite these challenges, his passion for football was nurtured by his family, particularly his father, who had a history in professional football himself. The formative years in Sarajevo, especially amidst the war-torn environment, shaped Džeko into the player and individual he is today.\n\n## Youth Career\nDžeko began his footballing journey at Željezničar, a local club in Sarajevo, where he initially played as a midfielder from 2003 to 2005. His height and technical abilities were initially considered limitations, but his coach at the time, Jiří Plíšek, recognized his potential as a striker. This foresight led to Džeko's transition to a more attacking role, paving the way for his later success.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Early Career\nDžeko's professional career commenced at Željezničar, but it wasn't until his move to Teplice in the Czech Republic that his talents began to truly emerge. After a loan spell at Ústí nad Labem where he scored six goals in 15 games, he returned to Teplice, scoring 13 goals in 30 appearances.\n\n### VfL Wolfsburg\nDžeko signed with VfL Wolfsburg in 2007 where he quickly established himself as a crucial player. His performances during the 2008-09 season were instrumental in Wolfsburg's Bundesliga title win. He scored 26 goals, forming part of the most successful strike duo in Bundesliga history alongside Grafite.\n\n### Manchester City\nIn January 2011, Edin Džeko transferred to Manchester City for a then club-record fee. He played a vital role in Manchester City's 2011-12 Premier League title win, notably scoring a last-minute equaliser against Queens Park Rangers. His time with City was marked by significant contributions, including scoring four goals in one match against Tottenham in the 2011-12 season.\n\n### Roma\nIn 2015, Džeko moved to Roma, initially on loan before signing permanently. Despite a slow start, he became Serie A's top scorer in the 2016-17 season with 29 goals, earning the Capocannoniere award. His tenure in Rome was marked by numerous personal milestones, including becoming the first player to score 50 goals in three of Europe’s top leagues.\n\n### Inter Milan\nDžeko joined Inter Milan in 2021, where he continued to deliver strong performances, including decisive goals in the 2022–23 Champions League semifinal against Milan. His time at Inter further exemplified his ability to perform at the highest level well into his late 30s.\n\n### Fenerbahçe\nIn 2023, Džeko signed with Turkish club Fenerbahçe, where he quickly established himself as a key player, scoring two goals in his league debut against Gaziantep. At 37, he became Fenerbahçe’s oldest scorer in European competitions.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nDžeko's international career began with Bosnia and Herzegovina's youth teams, where he played a pivotal role in various competitions, including UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.\n\n### Senior National Team\nDžeko made his senior debut for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2007, swiftly becoming an integral part of the national setup. He is the country's all-time leading goalscorer with over 60 goals and is most noted for his contributions in helping Bosnia qualify for their first major tournament, the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His leadership off the field has been as significant as his play on it, serving as captain and guiding the team through various international campaigns.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nEdin Džeko is primarily recognized for his exceptional goalscoring prowess, characterized by his strength, aerial ability, and tactical intelligence. Standing tall, he utilizes his height advantageously in the striker's position, coupled with strong technical skills that allow him to score with both feet effectively. Former manager Luciano Spalletti described him as the 'perfect prototype' of a forward, commending his balance of speed, technique, and physicality.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nDžeko's professional career boasts over 1,000 club appearances with significant goalscoring records at each club, including being the all-time top scorer for Bosnia and Herzegovina with 67 goals in over 130 caps.\n\n## Records\n- All-time top goalscorer for Bosnia and Herzegovina\n- First player to score 50 goals in three of Europe's top five leagues\n- Oldest goalscorer in Supercoppa Italiana history","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Bundesliga (VfL Wolfsburg): 2008–09\n- Premier League (Manchester City): 2011–12, 2013–14\n- FA Cup (Manchester City): 2010–11\n- Coppa Italia (Inter Milan): 2021–22, 2022–23\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Bundesliga Top Scorer: 2009–10\n- Serie A Top Scorer: 2016–17\n- Bosnian Footballer of the Year: 2009, 2010, 2011\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nDžeko has received numerous accolades for his performances, including being named in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season and earning recognition as Bosnian Sportsman of the Year.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nEdin Džeko's career is a testament to his skill, resilience, and professionalism. His impact on clubs across Europe and his pivotal role in international football with Bosnia and Herzegovina highlight a career filled with success and influence.\n\n## Off the Field\nBeyond football, Džeko has made significant contributions to various charities, notably as a UNICEF ambassador. His work has focused on supporting children affected by the Bosnian War, demonstrating his dedication to giving back to his community.\n\n## Personal Life\nEdin Džeko is fluent in five languages and maintains a deep connection with his roots and family life. Married to Amra Silajdžić, a prominent model and actress, Džeko is a dedicated family man and proud father. His experiences during wartime Sarajevo have profoundly shaped his perspective, which is reflected in his ongoing philanthropic efforts.","stb_internal_id":"019300e9-927c-72b4-b29d-4d1ad270e8b3","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-forward","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Edin Džeko is a prominent Bosnian professional footballer who has left an indelible mark on the world of football. As the all-time top goalscorer and most-capped player for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, Džeko's career is decorated with significant achievements, including leading roles at clubs like Manchester City, Roma, and Inter Milan. Known as the 'Bosnian Diamond,' he is revered for his goal-scoring ability and leadership on and off the field.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Edin Džeko was born on March 17, 1986, in Sarajevo, then part of SFR Yugoslavia. Raised during the tumultuous period of the Siege of Sarajevo, Džeko's early life was marked by his family's resilience amidst adversity. Despite these challenges, his passion for football was nurtured by his family, particularly his father, who had a history in professional football himself. The formative years in Sarajevo, especially amidst the war-torn environment, shaped Džeko into the player and individual he is today.

Youth Career

Džeko began his footballing journey at Željezničar, a local club in Sarajevo, where he initially played as a midfielder from 2003 to 2005. His height and technical abilities were initially considered limitations, but his coach at the time, Jiří Plíšek, recognized his potential as a striker. This foresight led to Džeko's transition to a more attacking role, paving the way for his later success.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Early Career

Džeko's professional career commenced at Željezničar, but it wasn't until his move to Teplice in the Czech Republic that his talents began to truly emerge. After a loan spell at Ústí nad Labem where he scored six goals in 15 games, he returned to Teplice, scoring 13 goals in 30 appearances.

VfL Wolfsburg

Džeko signed with VfL Wolfsburg in 2007 where he quickly established himself as a crucial player. His performances during the 2008-09 season were instrumental in Wolfsburg's Bundesliga title win. He scored 26 goals, forming part of the most successful strike duo in Bundesliga history alongside Grafite.

Manchester City

In January 2011, Edin Džeko transferred to Manchester City for a then club-record fee. He played a vital role in Manchester City's 2011-12 Premier League title win, notably scoring a last-minute equaliser against Queens Park Rangers. His time with City was marked by significant contributions, including scoring four goals in one match against Tottenham in the 2011-12 season.

Roma

In 2015, Džeko moved to Roma, initially on loan before signing permanently. Despite a slow start, he became Serie A's top scorer in the 2016-17 season with 29 goals, earning the Capocannoniere award. His tenure in Rome was marked by numerous personal milestones, including becoming the first player to score 50 goals in three of Europe’s top leagues.

Inter Milan

Džeko joined Inter Milan in 2021, where he continued to deliver strong performances, including decisive goals in the 2022–23 Champions League semifinal against Milan. His time at Inter further exemplified his ability to perform at the highest level well into his late 30s.

Fenerbahçe

In 2023, Džeko signed with Turkish club Fenerbahçe, where he quickly established himself as a key player, scoring two goals in his league debut against Gaziantep. At 37, he became Fenerbahçe’s oldest scorer in European competitions.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Džeko's international career began with Bosnia and Herzegovina's youth teams, where he played a pivotal role in various competitions, including UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.

Senior National Team

Džeko made his senior debut for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2007, swiftly becoming an integral part of the national setup. He is the country's all-time leading goalscorer with over 60 goals and is most noted for his contributions in helping Bosnia qualify for their first major tournament, the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His leadership off the field has been as significant as his play on it, serving as captain and guiding the team through various international campaigns.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Edin Džeko is primarily recognized for his exceptional goalscoring prowess, characterized by his strength, aerial ability, and tactical intelligence. Standing tall, he utilizes his height advantageously in the striker's position, coupled with strong technical skills that allow him to score with both feet effectively. Former manager Luciano Spalletti described him as the 'perfect prototype' of a forward, commending his balance of speed, technique, and physicality.

Performance Statistics

Džeko's professional career boasts over 1,000 club appearances with significant goalscoring records at each club, including being the all-time top scorer for Bosnia and Herzegovina with 67 goals in over 130 caps.

Records

All-time top goalscorer for Bosnia and Herzegovina
First player to score 50 goals in three of Europe's top five leagues
Oldest goalscorer in Supercoppa Italiana history

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Bundesliga (VfL Wolfsburg): 2008–09
Premier League (Manchester City): 2011–12, 2013–14
FA Cup (Manchester City): 2010–11
Coppa Italia (Inter Milan): 2021–22, 2022–23

Individual Achievements

Bundesliga Top Scorer: 2009–10
Serie A Top Scorer: 2016–17
Bosnian Footballer of the Year: 2009, 2010, 2011

Awards and Recognition

Džeko has received numerous accolades for his performances, including being named in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season and earning recognition as Bosnian Sportsman of the Year.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Edin Džeko's career is a testament to his skill, resilience, and professionalism. His impact on clubs across Europe and his pivotal role in international football with Bosnia and Herzegovina highlight a career filled with success and influence.

Off the Field

Beyond football, Džeko has made significant contributions to various charities, notably as a UNICEF ambassador. His work has focused on supporting children affected by the Bosnian War, demonstrating his dedication to giving back to his community.

Personal Life

Edin Džeko is fluent in five languages and maintains a deep connection with his roots and family life. Married to Amra Silajdžić, a prominent model and actress, Džeko is a dedicated family man and proud father. His experiences during wartime Sarajevo have profoundly shaped his perspective, which is reflected in his ongoing philanthropic efforts.

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Edin Džeko: Profile